BET Announces Loaded 2017-2018 Slate

BET Networks announced today its upcoming 2017-2018 programming slate at its annual Upfront presentation in New York. Included at new projects from comedy powerhouses Kevin Hart, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, and Wanda Sykes, as well as new original primetime and late night series, new biopics and documentary series based on real-life musical icons, and more, all under the theme "BET is saying YES..." to talent and original programming.

“Over the last 37 years, BET has cultivated a deep and lasting relationship with our viewers, as we remain the premiere destination for lovers of African American culture. This year, we are saying yes to all things black, with more premium original programming and best-in-class tentpoles that reflect and invigorate our viewers,” said Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks. “BET’s global influence is stronger than ever and we are continuing to expand beyond the television screen to impact our audience – and the world – across multiple platforms.” Some networks offer reach and some engagement, but no other network offers reach, engagement, culture, lifestyle and influence.

In addition, BET has announced that it has joined forces with Twitter for the first-ever industry analysis of the overall impact and importance of “Black Twitter.” The analysis includes a set of top Twitter hashtags, consisting of over 10MM Tweets and over 20MM Retweets since 2014. Twitter and BET will release findings in a joint session in June. As one of few brands that organically speaks to this phenomenon, BET will be creating a model to help predict future trends in “Black Twitter” as they emerge.

In the meantime, BET Networks highlighted the following programming at its annual Upfront presentation. We'll dig through the press release to single out any specific titles that are most intriguing to us; for now, here's everything:

BET SAYS YES TO EDGY NEW COMEDY AND LATE NIGHT PROGRAMMING:

-- DIVORCE SAVED MY MARRIAGE - From Executive Producer Kevin Hart comes “DIVORCE SAVED MY MARRIAGE,” a new 30-minute scripted dramedy, based on the stand up of David A. Arnold, that turns relationships and marriage inside out. When a couple realizes that divorce is the only thing they can agree on, their attorney recommends a financial plan instead of a court date - forcing them to work together so they can finally afford to be apart. “DIVORCE SAVED MY MARRIAGE” is executive produced and created by Devon K. Shepard and David A. Arnold, with Kevin Hart and Dave Becky serving as Executive Producers.

FORMAT: 30-minute Scripted Comedy

NUMBER OF EPISODES: 10

-- THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE – BET joins forces with Executive Producer Chris Rock to bring the African American female voice to late night news satire: “THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE.” Comedian and former head writer and contributor for “The Nightly Show,” Robin Thede, gives her hilariously unique take on the week’s headlines in politics and pop culture in a fast-paced, no-holds-barred late night show featuring biting social commentary, sharp sketch comedy and in-your-face pop culture parody. From the team behind “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,”“THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE” is produced by JAX MEDIA with Chris Rock and Robin Thede serving as Executive Producers. Tony Hernandez, Lilly Burns, John Skidmore and Genevieve Anniello also executive produce.

FORMAT: 30-minute Late Night Comedy

NUMBER OF EPISODES: 24

-- BET’s MANCAVE – Executive Producer Steve Harvey and BET are opening the door to “BET’s MANCAVE” - a no-holds-barred conversation among five men brave enough to be honest and vulnerable, as they laugh it up and get serious about hot-button topics. Hosted by award-winning journalist Jeff Johnson – and featuring actors, athletes, and comedians, among others – this topical weekly event series brings together African American men with wildly diverse opinions to dissect current hot topics in entertainment, politics, news and beyond. Through humor, genuine emotion and heated debate, the panel will discuss their own opinions and experiences, while revealing what it’s really like to navigate the world as an African American man. With unfiltered honesty, “BET’s MANCAVE” is the ultimate ‘bro-out’ session that reflects how complex men’s thoughts actually are. “BET’s MANCAVE” is created by Jeff Johnson and produced by Truly Original and East 112th Street Productions. Johnson serves as Executive Producer, alongside Truly Original’s Steven Weinstock, Glenda Hersh and Bryan Hale. Steve Harvey and Gerald Washington also serve as Executive Producers for 112th Street Productions.
FORMAT: 30-minute Late Night Comedy

NUMBER OF EPISODES: 12

-- FACE VALUE – From Push It Productions and Executive Producer, Wanda Sykes, “FACE VALUE” is a groundbreaking new game show that will finally answer the age-old question, “Can you judge a book by its cover?” The veteran actress, comedienne and LGBT advocate knows what it’s like to be prejudged, so this series is flipping the script to award cash and prizes for correctly guessing facts about strangers from all walks of life - based solely on their appearance and a few personal details. Hosted by Deon Cole (“black-ish,”Barbershop), “FACE VALUE” will humorously break down stereotypes, expose prejudices, and celebrate the human spirit by highlighting the commonalities and differences among people of various backgrounds, races, religions, beliefs and life experiences. Push It Productions' Wanda Sykes and Page Hurwitz serve as Executive Producers along with Lance Crouther.
FORMAT: 30-minute Late Night Comedy

NUMBER OF EPISODES: 24

-- 50 CENTRAL – Award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer, the iconic Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, storms BET’s airwaves to take variety and sketch comedy to the next level with “50 CENTRAL.” BET’s first variety comedy showcase will be unlike anything seen from the genre before. Along with unprecedented sketches, there will be hidden camera pranks, musical performances, and A-list celebrity guests to create the ultimate late night party – all handpicked and hosted by 50 Cent. Few artists have had as much crossover success as Jackson and he showcases his talents as an MC, actor and producer for a fresh take on the variety series. “50 CENTRAL” is produced by G-Unit Film & Television in partnership with Back Roads Entertainment with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Stephen J. Savva, Colby Gaines and Riley Robbins serving as Executive Producers and Michael A. Blum serving as Co-Executive Producer.
FORMAT: 30-minute Late Night Variety

NUMBER OF EPISODES: 24

-- LOVE ROOM – “LOVE ROOM” is a daring social experiment that brings together individuals who have almost given up on finding a relationship and falling in love. Much more than a single date, two sexy, single strangers will meet and live together for a week to see if a relationship blossoms. Having struck out with blind dates and dating apps, the couples will work through challenges that test their resolve and compatibility. This “full immersion” relationship will accelerate the dating process, challenging the couple to reveal their deepest secrets, face their own insecurities, overcome their fears and set aside their baggage to find true love. “LOVE ROOM” is produced by Eastern, producers of the hit “Love & Hip Hop” franchise. Toby Barraud, Stefan Springman, Mala Chapple, Carmen Mitcho and Sean David Johnson are Executive Producers for Eastern.
FORMAT: 60-minute Unscripted

-- THE BOBBY BROWN STORY – From the team behind BET’s smash hit, “The New Edition Story” - the #1 cable biopic of all time - comes another epic mini-series event: “THE BOBBY BROWN STORY.” With a career that spans from founding the R&B super group New Edition to a successful solo run, Bobby Brown’s life truly epitomizes the meaning of sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Hailed as the King of R&B, Bobby Brown is undisputedly one of the genre’s original “bad boys.” His hits may have kept him at the top of the charts, but his antics kept him on the front page. Written by Abdul Williams (“The New Edition Story,” Lottery Ticket), “THE BOBBY BROWN STORY” is executive produced by Jesse Collins (“The New Edition Story,” “Real Husbands of Hollywood”) for JCE Films, a division of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

FORMAT: 4-Hour Biopic Mini-series

NUMBER OF EPISODES: 2 Nights, 2-Hours per Nigh

-- DEATH ROW CHRONICLES – The story of the world’s most dangerous record label could only be told in a definitive 6-part documentary series: “DEATH ROW CHRONICLES.” While Death Row Records boasted the success of Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, and Dr. Dre forged by unmatched creativity, the chart-topping and record-breaking sales came at a bloody, controversial cost. Part true-crime murder mystery and part hip hop drama, this compelling docu-series will comb through mountains of misinformation, uncovering key evidence and witnesses who will reveal the truth about the bitter rivalries surrounding its legends. The limited series will also celebrate the groundbreaking music of Death Row, explain how it reflected society at the time, and how it influenced some of today’s biggest hip hop artists. On the eve of the label’s 25th anniversary, “DEATH ROW CHRONICLES” offers an unflinching look at the label and its legacy. “DEATH ROW CHRONICLES” is produced by Entertainment One (eOne) and Creature Films.
FORMAT: 60-minute Documentary Series

NUMBER OF EPISODES: 6

BET SAYS YES TO PROVOCATIVE DRAMA WITH RETURNING ORIGINAL SERIES:

-- THE QUAD – As Wednesday’s #1 New Cable Series among African American millennials (AA P18-34), the riveting, true-to-life drama about HBCU culture and relationships is back for another season of passion and controversy. Georgia A&M President Dr. Eva Fletcher continues to navigate her relationships, career and serve the student body. For faculty and students alike, one similarity remains: everyone plans to make a name for themselves on “THE QUAD.” Starring multi-talented Anika Noni Rose, “THE QUAD” is created and executive produced by Felicia Henderson and Charles Holland, and developed by Rob Hardy who also serves as Executive Producer. Mitzi Miller serves as Co-Executive Producer.

FORMAT: 60-minute Scripted Drama

NUMBER OF EPISODES: 10

-- THE BREAKS - Shot on the streets of New York, “THE BREAKS” is a gritty, authentic take on the origins of hip hop through the journey of three young friends exploring the industry in 1990 New York City. “THE BREAKS” is inspired by Dan Charnas’ critically acclaimed book The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop, an epic, 40-year narrative of the executives, entrepreneurs, hustlers and handlers who turned rap music into the world’s predominant pop culture. Original cast members included: Afton Willamson (HBO’s “The Night Of…”), Wood Harris (“The Wire”), Mack Wilds (“The Wire”), Antoine Harris (“Ballers”), David Call (“The Magicians”), Evan Handler (“Sex and the City”), Melonie Diaz (“Fruitvale Station”), Sinqua Walls (“Power”), Ali Ahn (“Billions”) and Gloria Reuben (“Mr. Robot”).

FORMAT: 60-minute Drama

-- HIT THE FLOOR – Just when you thought it was over, sizzling new episodes of original series, “HIT THE FLOOR”, are back to steam up TV screens for a brand new season on BET Networks. The premier professional dance squad for the Los Angeles Devils basketball team, the Devil Girls, returns with more scandal, sex, secrets, intrigue and jaw-dropping dance routines, that captured audience’s hearts. "HIT THE FLOOR" was created by James LaRosa.

FORMAT: 60-minute Drama

BET SAYS YES TO INDUSTRY-LEADING MEGA-SPECIALS AND TENTPOLE EVENTS:

-- “LIP SYNC BATTLE” SPECIAL EDITIONS – Multiplatform global pop culture juggernaut, “LIP SYNC BATTLE” is blowing up with two 1-hour specials made exclusively for BET. Featuring the same cast, LL COOL J and Chrissy Teigen, but touting the BET brand, each one hour special will be tailored to a tentpole event – “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” and “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” – which will drive the songs that the celebrities perform. The special editions will be taped in September in Los Angeles. The expansion of “LIP SYNC BATTLE” to BET taps into the overall plan to leverage multiple platforms for Viacom’s most successful properties.
FORMAT: Two 1-hour Specials

-- BET AWARDS – Moving into its eighteenth year,The “BET AWARDS” franchise is the #1 program in cable television history among African American viewers, and a top 10 awards show on television among total viewers. This magical night of musical collaborations and jaw-dropping moments consistently delivers high ratings, millions of social media impressions and buzz before, during and after the star-studded live telecast. Last year was a celebration of Prince and his music featuring Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Janelle Monae, and more. Anything can – and always does – happen at BET’s signature live awards event.

-- BET EXPERIENCE – Returning for its sixth year, BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® is four-day event showcasing the best in music, comedy, and entertainment. The immersive experience continues to grow each year, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the downtown Los Angeles area. The BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® includes a series of interactive events such as a free Fan Fest, live music, Sprite Celebrity Basketball Game, and Genius Talks with A-list talent; as well as a partnership between BET Networks and AEG to bring a star-studded electrifying concert series to the L.A. Live complex.

-- BET HIP HOP AWARDS – The “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” returns to highlight the best of the year in hip-hop music, with bold performances and breakthrough freestyle cyphers. This seminal award show singularly celebrates hip-hop and sets social media on fire with the click of a hashtag, placing it among the most social award shows all year. The “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” is the one show where the hottest rap stars of today share the stage with the icons of tomorrow.

-- SOUL TRAIN AWARDS – The “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” brings you the most revered and promising voices in soul and R&B. Simulcast on BET and BET Her, the “Hippest Trip In America” keeps grooving forward. The iconic brand that defined a generation returns with the award show that delivers world class talent and a long tail of social chatter. Honoring the best in R&B and soul, the “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” is guaranteed to deliver Love, Peace, and SOUL!

-- SOUL TRAIN WEEKEND – “Soul Train Weekend” returns to Las Vegas for an immersive live experience, showcasing the best of African-American culture. This three-day music celebration will celebrate soul and R&B music with special appearances & performances, a celebrity golf tournament, a Grammy Academy panel and more.

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